CN1234732A

CN1234732A - Method and apparatus for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye

Info

Publication number: CN1234732A
Application number: CN97199168A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克里斯·奇切那斯; 乔治·克拉克; 托马斯·M·海曼; 查尔斯·舍伍德
Original assignee: Storz Instrument Co
Current assignee: Bausch and Lomb Inc
Priority date: 1996-09-26
Filing date: 1997-09-25
Publication date: 1999-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-25
Also published as: CA2266396C; HK1026595A1; WO1998012969A1; EP0971634A1; CA2266396A1; CN1172633C; JP4704522B2; BR9713477A; JP4294663B2; EP0971634A4; US5944725A; JP2001502563A; CN1602817A; AU737755B2; JP2005028161A; EP0971634B1; JP2008245664A; JP2006346475A; ES2372254T3; JP2008245665A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an instrument (10) for inserting a flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membrane into an eye, which includes a compressor (26) for laterally compressing the lens, thereby reducing the lens cross-section so that the lens passes through a small incision. The compressor has guides (68, 70) along the inner wall of the insert which maintain the two side edges of the lens in a planar orientation during compression. The two guides preferably extend through the insert to grip the lens as it is advanced toward the eye, preventing uncontrolled rotation of the lens.

Description

The method and apparatus in the flexible membrane insertion eyes

Technical field

The present invention relates to the method and apparatus in one one flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membranes insertion eyes.

Prior art

The natural lens of eyes light focusing to retina and obtain to play an important role aspect the correct vision.But the vision of natural lens can be owing to eye damage or owing to cataract old or that disease generates worsens.In order to recover vision, generally replace natural lens with artificial lens.Also implantable artificial lens is corrected dioptric.

Extract the existing multiple operating procedure of natural lens.Generally a little otch that passes in the eyes with an elongated implement contacts natural lens.This apparatus comprises the cutter head of a usefulness ultrasonic vibration emulsifying natural lens.The passage sucking-off of the emulsifying fragment of natural lens in this cutter head.Because this apparatus is elongated shape, so natural lens can be discharged by the little otch in eyes.Use little otch rather than big otch can alleviate in the operation process and postoperative wound and complexity.

Because it is very little to be used for extracing lenticular this otch, therefore be used for replacing the flexible implant that the many uses of lenticular intraocular implant at all need not to enlarge this otch.Intraocular lens generally include a light focusing to the retina a disc eyeglass and make this eyeglass correct localized outside stretching, extension sense of touch portion in eyes.Because lens have flexibility, therefore collapsible and compression enters in the eyes so that cross section passes little otch after reducing.After passing otch, lens are launched into original size and shape.

One flexible intraocular lens is had some kinds through the device that a little otch inserts in the eyes.For example, the U.S. Patent No. 4,681,102 of Bartell uses a hinged lens kit that covers lens that lens are folded into narrower shape.This lens kit is packed in the insertion mechanism that should folding lens pushes in the eyes.But this plug-in unit needs to handle and assemble some parts in use.People's such as Rheinish U.S. Patent No. 5,275,604 promotes lens in the inner chamber that narrows down, thereby flutedly in this inner chamber pushes in the eyes process the folding lens that reduce at lens.The making of the helical groove in the conical internal cavity do not say can not but also be very difficult.In people's such as Rheinish U.S. Patent No. 5,304,182, a crimp that laterally moves is folded into lens and is small enough to pass little otch.But do not use locking device to guarantee that this crimp is by Close All.

And, although can reducing the cross section of lens, insert in the eyes in these devices, in order to pass little otch, on one's body the lens both sides of the edge all need to fold into certainly.Therefore, lens must swingingly be opened in eyes and could recover original shape and size.This expansion makes lens, particularly haptic element do circular swing motion, thereby can damage inside ofeye.

Lens are opened into original shape by elasticity after inserting in the eyes.But lens pass the required folding and compression of carrying out of little otch can make lens be subjected to very big pressure inwards.Therefore, lens are usually discharged from plug-in unit with very big power and speed.The uncontrolled powerful damage that also can cause inside ofeye of discharging of this of lens.

In addition, many plug-in units orientation to lens when pushing lens in the eyes does not add control.Can rotate around a longitudinal axis when therefore, lens are pushed away in plug-in unit.But most lenses should have certain orientation in eyes.Therefore, it is incorrect that this rotation of lens can cause the orientation of lens in eyes.

The present invention's general introduction

The present invention relates to the method and apparatus in a flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membranes insertion eyes, existing above-mentioned danger of inserting device can not take place in this method and apparatus.Say that definitely this plug-in unit is becoming the smaller cross-sectional area shape to the lens transverse compression so that make the both sides of the edge of lens keep planar orientation when a little otch inserts in the eyes.Since the both sides of the edge of lens by compression the time, do not fold into from one's body, so lens recover original shape and do not swing when launching in eyes.Therefore danger of its part impact, damage inside ofeye reduced after lens were discharged from plug-in unit.

In this preferred structure, keep planar orientation when having both sides of the edge that groove as guide bracket makes lens by compression on the plug-in unit inner surface.These grooves further stretch in plug-in unit, thereby at lens clamping lens when eyes move, prevent that lens from doing uncontrolled rotation.Like this, guarantee that lens discharge with correct orientation.

In another aspect of this invention, this plug-in unit just launches lens before entering eyes.Like this, being used for launching by compression, the elastic force of lens just consumes before plug-in unit is discharged at lens.Thereby lens can be implanted in the eyes controllably.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the axonometric chart of the present invention's one apparatus.

Fig. 2 is the partial perspective view of this apparatus, and a compressor is in the closed position.

Fig. 3 is the partial perspective view of this apparatus, and this compressor unloads.

Fig. 4 is the axonometric chart of this compressor.

Fig. 5 is the partial perspective view of this apparatus, and ophthalmic lens are positioned on the free end of this apparatus.

Fig. 6 A-6C illustrates the different phase of these compressor compresses one lens for cut open the profile of this apparatus of getting along 6-6 line among Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 D illustrates this compressor and is positioned at the closed position for cut open the part sectioned view of this apparatus of getting along 6-6 line among Fig. 1, but not shown lens.

Fig. 7 is for to cut open the profile of getting along 7-7 line among Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 illustrates the compression of lens for the part sectioned view of apparatus second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is the partial perspective view of apparatus the 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is the partial top view of this apparatus the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 11 is the partial perspective view of apparatus the 4th embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is the partial perspective view of apparatus the 5th embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is the part sectioned view of this apparatus the 5th embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The present invention relates to one one flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membranes and implant plug-in unit 10 (Fig. 1-7) in the eyes.One ophthalmic lens generally comprise an eyeglass and a sense of touch portion, although sense of touch portion omits sometimes.Can there be various ways in sense of touch portion, but is made of plate ring shape haptic element usually.Only just for example, the illustrated plug-in unit 10 of the application is used in the lens 12 with a pair of annular

haptic element

16a, 16b (Fig. 1,5,6,8 and 10).But plug-in unit 10 can be used for a variety of lens or other flexible membranes.

Lens 12 comprise an eyeglass 14 and a pair of

haptic element

16a, 16b (Fig. 1,5,6,8 and 10).The filament shape elastic component that these two haptic elements stretch in the opposite direction for opposite both

sides

18a, 18b on eyeglass 14 diametric(al)s.

Haptic element

16a, 16b are curved, so its free end generally goes back to eyeglass 14 again.

In this preferred structure, plug-in unit 10 comprises to be accepted lens and lens is imported pipe fitting 22 (Fig. 1-3 and Fig. 5-7) in the eyes.This pipe fitting 22 generally comprises a body 24, a compressor station 26 and an intubate 28 (Fig. 1-3 and 5).One support portion 29 of body 24, intubate 28 and compressor station 26 is preferably integrally molded, although also can be assembled together each parts.

At the near-end of pipe fitting 22, body 24 has an aft-opening passage to insert (Fig. 1) for a push rod 32.This push rod comprise one with body 24 in the main body 34 and that matches of passage stretch out forward, lens 12 pushed axle 36 (Figure 10) in the eyes.Known as this field, the shape of the main body of push rod 32 is made anti-throw-out lever and is rotated relative to pipe fitting 22.For example, main body 34 and this passage key and keyway that can be match non-circular or match.In addition, although the most handy hands promotes push rod 32 in main body 24, also can use motor or other driving devices to promote push rod 32.

Compressor station 26 comprises an opening 38 that aligns with passage in the body 24 in the axial direction, is used for accepting, compression lens 12 and (Fig. 1-6D) in the lens 12 importing intubate 28.Compressor station 26 comprises that one is contained in compressor 40 in this support member movably with the integrally molded support member 29 and of body 24 and intubate 28.Support member 29 comprises a U-shaped wing plate 42 that is made of an elongated shape support 44 and a pair of arm 46.These arms and support define a lateral channel or guide groove 48 jointly, and compressor 40 inserts wherein movably.Have a lip 50 that compressor 40 is clamped between it and the support 44 on the free end of each arm 46, thereby compressor can only be done transverse movement in guide groove 48.There is a step 55 the inner of each lip 50, is used for blocking the door bolt of one on the compressor 40 56 during work, thereby locks this compressor.Also availablely prevent that against flange (not shown) or other known configurations compressor 40 from deviating from from guide groove 48.

Thereby compressor 40 comprise a pair of be inserted in the guide groove 48 side 61 and against the compression lens 12 medial wall 62.The one lid flange 64 that stretches out from sidewall 62 covers the opposite flank 58 of support member 29 and closes opening 38 (Fig. 2 and 5-6D) when compressor is mobile inwards.Door bolt 56 is positioned at compressor two side cover flanges 64 tops.Door bolt 56 comprises that thereby being convenient to the mobile inwards inclined plane part 65 of compressor is locked in the locational abutment face 68 that it covers support member 29 to compressor 40 with outwards ejecting against step 55.Can't open after this compressor preferably locks, thereby can only use once, but but when needing also structure make and can open.Lug 70 transverse movements (Fig. 1 and 4) of guiding compressor 40 in guide groove 48 of lip 50 belows.

Compressor 40 can cover sides 58, fasten with a bolt or latch between 56 closed positions against step 55 (Fig. 2,5,6C and 6D) and do transverse movement at the open position (Fig. 1) and the lid flange 64 of side 58 spaced apart of covering flange 64 and support member 29.At open position, between lid flange 64 and the side 58 gap 66 is arranged, thereby can put into opening 38 (Fig. 1) to lens 12.Lens can be put into pipe fitting 22 before delivery, also can be put into by the medical worker when undergoing surgery.In the closed position, a sidewall 60 of the sidewall 62 of compressor 40 and side 58 over against and align with the inner 52 of arm 46 in the axial direction (Fig. 2,5,6C and 6D).

On the two

side

60,62 guide bracket is arranged all, when compressor 40 moves to its closed position, accept and both sides of the edge 18a, the 18b of clipped lens 14, prevent that them from folding into self or rotate (Fig. 4 and 6A-6D) on one's body.Say that definitely both sides of the edge 18a, the 18b of lens are orientated along a central plane.These two guide brackets are used for the both sides of the edge clamping of lens by compression the time and are supported on this plane at lens.Because the both sides of the edge of lens do not fold on one's body self, so lens horizontal spreading and do not produce swing in eyes.This horizontal moving than safer with swing expansion lens of both sides of the edge can not contact and damage inside ofeye when lens launched.In this preferred structure, use

groove

68,70 as guide bracket.But guide bracket also can use other structures, as long as can make the both sides of lens keep planar orientation, can push lens in the eyes.

Preferably there is inclined plane part 72-75 the both sides of

groove

68,70, support and compress eyeglass and help the both sides of lens 12 are remained on (Fig. 6 A-6D) in the

groove

68,70 when compressor 40 moves inwards.The up and down parallel plane spaced apart of

sidewall

60,62 by being defined by lid flange 64 and support 44, thus an axial passage 76 formed, thus push rod 32 can promote lens therein.

When compressor 40 was mobile inwards, both sides of the edge 18a, the 18b of eyeglass 14 inserted in the groove 68,70 (Fig. 6 A).The continuation of compressor is moved inwards and is made both sides of the

edge

18a, 18b tightly be pushed in the

groove

68,70, prevents its discharge (Fig. 6 B).This of compressor moves and also begins the transverse compression lens.Though lens can be twisted and warped by compression the time slightly, both sides of the edge 18a, the 18b of lens is clamped in the

groove

68,70 and keeps planar orientation.At last, when door bolt 56 was locked on the step 55, lens 12 were compression shape (Fig. 6 C) between sidewall 60,62.The surface of the inner 52 (Fig. 3) of two arms 46 is also identical with sidewall 62, thereby forms and passage 76 successive walls (Fig. 6 D).

Although both sides inclined plane part 72-75 can be mutually mirror image (seeing

groove

68a, 70a and the inclined plane part 72a-75a of Fig. 8), they are preferably asymmetric so that haptic element when inserting orientation better.Say that definitely the part of

groove

68,70 is defined by upper and lower surface 80-83.A bigger distance is stretched inwards than apparent surface 81,82 in one surface 80,83 of each groove 68,70.Long surface 80,83 and curve slope portion 72,75 converge.Intersect at outer surface 92,94 positions and the inclined plane part 73,74 of more

close groove

68,70 on short surface 81,82.Although surface 81,82 and inclined plane part 73,74 intersect with wedge angle, the intersection also can be fillet.In this special construction, there is the edge 18a of preceding haptic element 16a to be positioned at sidewall 60 on one side on it.

When compressor 40 was mobile inwards, both sides of the

edge

18a, 18b inserted in the groove 68,70 (Fig. 6 A-6D).When lens 12 by compression the time, asymmetric surperficial 80-83 can make lens slightly to 81,82 skews of short surface and cause eyeglass 14 twist slightly, thereby makes the sensing of preceding haptic element 16a downward.This of preceding haptic element 16a orientation downwards makes the easier capsule bag that this haptic element is placed eyes of surgeon.Equally, the oblique slightly upwards skew of after touch spare 16b, thereby anti-throw-out lever 32 contact after touch spares; Promptly the free end 77 of axle 36 directly promotes eyeglass 14 (Figure 10).

Perhaps, compressor station 26b also can comprise one with body 24b and integrally molded support member 29b and a pair of relative compressor 40b, the 41b (Fig. 9 and 10) of intubate 28b.Two compressoies are supported among a pair of relative otch 96b on support member 29b both sides and can laterally draw close mutually or leave.The shape of

compressor

40b, 41b

medial wall

60b, 62b is identical with above-mentioned

sidewall

60,62; But two medial walls also can be symmetrical as sidewall 60a, 62a.One opening 66b is arranged on the support member 29b end face, thereby can put into lens 12.For preventing that lens from deviating from or outwards arch, a lid 101b is hinged on the support member 29b, covers opening 66b before two

compressor

40b, 41b close.With the door bolt (not shown) compressor is locked on its closed position.

The intubate 28 of stretching out forward from compressor station 26 tops imports lens 12 eyes (Fig. 1-3 and Fig. 5).Thereby intubate 28 preferably includes a tapered infundibulate close end 103 that further compresses lens and by compression lens is imported elongated shape top ends 105 in the eyes.But intubate also can be even taper on its whole length, perhaps, if thereby compressor long enough lens have been subjected to required compression, and intubate can be not tapered yet.

There is an inner chamber 107 to align with the passage 76 of compressor station 26 in the axial direction in the intubate 28, thereby forms one for the mobile therein continuous conduit (Fig. 7) of lens.Define on its of inner chamber 107 fluted 111 sidewall 109 and up and down the

sidewall

60,62 of inclined plane part 113,115 and compressor station 26 match.In the rear end of close end 103, groove 111 aligns (when compressor 40 is positioned at the closed position) with

groove

68,70, thus when lens push in the eyes continuous clamping both sides of the edge 18a, 18b.The sidewall 109 of close end 103 is preferably assembling before about 7 ° angle, thus when lens pass intubate 28 further compression lens.As mentioned above, groove 111 continues both sides of the edge 18a, the 18b of clipped lens 14 when lens pass intubate 28, thus keep when lens advance in inner chamber 107 both sides of the edge of lens planar orientation, prevent that lens from rotating.

The top ends 105 of intubate 28 is an elongated shape pipe, thereby plug-in unit 10 can pass a little otch (not shown).Although the sidewall in the top ends 105 109 is at an angle to each other with the sidewall 109 in the close end 103, they are all fluted 111 and inclined plane part 113,115 years old.Therefore groove and inclined plane part continue across top ends 105, thereby lens 12 are subjected to correct the support and clamping in passing the whole process of intubate 28.Although the sidewall 109 in the top ends 105 is preferably assembled slightly for ease of molded, they also can be parallel to each other.

The free end 119 of intubate 28 is preferably in a pair of relative longitudinal cut 121 (Fig. 1-3, Fig. 5 and 7) in the groove 111.Otch 121 is enough wide, thereby both sides 18a, the 18b of eyeglass 14 can extend outward to outside the outer surface 123 of intubate 28.But horizontal spreading before therefore these two otch make lens in entering eyes.Therefore, the natural elasticity that makes lens recover original shape is consumed in the controlled environment of intubate.Therefore different with many existing plug-in units, lens do not have speed when entering in the eyes.

In addition and since lens by compression the time both sides of the edge do not fold into from one's body, so lens are just done outside transverse movement when launching.The eyeglass of lens or haptic element do not do to damage the swing of inside ofeye in eyes.Otch 121 also continues clipped lens 14 and prevents that lens from rotating, thereby guarantees that lens implant with correct orientation.Therefore, inserting lens with plug-in unit 10 is safest up to now method for implantation.

The preceding correct location (seeing Fig. 9 and 10) that can have a haptic element guiding piece 125 to be used for guaranteeing preceding annular haptic element 16a of plug-in unit 10b (or 10).Haptic element guiding piece 125 comprises the elongated shape bar 129 that a flat pulling-on piece 127 and stretches out from this pulling-on piece.The size of bar 129 is made and can be inserted backward the inner chamber 107 from free end 119.One hook 131 or other step spares are arranged on the free end 133 of bar 129.During use, bar 129 all inserts in the inner chamber 107, thereby can see hook 131 from the gap 66b of compressor station 26b.When in this opening that lens are packed into, preceding haptic element 16a is enclosed within on the hook 131.Spur pulling-on piece 127 forward and from plug-in unit 10, extract bar 129 out with hands.Can before or after

closes compression device

40b, 41b or lid 101b, unload haptic element guiding piece 125.When bar travelled forward, hook 131 spurred haptic element 16a forward, thereby its free end enters in the inner chamber 107.The part that this pulling of haptic element can make haptic element 16a is straightened along the direction of motion of lens.This of haptic element reduced preceding haptic element 16a withdrawal and has been entangled in danger on the eyeglass when being positioned at and inserting.Pulling-on piece preferably has the structure of fin 135 and so on so that catch with hands on 127 surfaces.

Identical with general lens inserting step, viscoelastic material or other lubriation materials are injected plug-in unit, so that lens are movable in eyes.Lubricating fluid can be closed preceding injection at compressor 40 (or lid 101b).Perhaps, can there be a hole to close the back at compressor 40c on the lid flange 64c (or wall of pipe fitting) and injects (Figure 11) for lubricating fluid.Also can be contained in (Figure 12 and 13) on the outer surface that covers flange 64d to a lubricated oil box 139 of filling with lubricating fluid 141.This next door, hole can have an agnail to pierce through this plastic casing, thereby lubricating fluid is pressed in this passage.Perhaps, box 139 comprises a frangible portion (for example using cut) of aliging with the aperture 143 of lid flange 64.In a single day compressor moves to its closed position, and user can pressurize on lubricated oil box and this box is broken, thereby lubricating oil is from 143 inlet openings 38 of hole.Lid flange 64c also can with one fixedly the cutter (not shown) cooperate, when compressor 40c closes, sever box 139, thereby lubricating oil is from 143 these passages of inflow of hole.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention more than has been described.The present invention of being defined by the claims spirit and more wide in range aspect in can use all other embodiment and make all changes and change.For example, the compressor station structure that has or do not have intubate can be made the separate lenses box of one compression lens.Can insert this lens kit in the device then, thereby compressed lens are inserted in the eyes.As the ordinary lens box, flange or other structures can be arranged on the lens kit so that handle lens kit and prevent that lens kit from rotating in this insert arrangement.In addition, different with the direct compression of the preferred embodiment, the compressible one-tenth U-shaped of the central part of eyeglass 14, W shape or other collapsed shape.As long as the both sides of the edge of lens maintenance planar orientation, lens still can prevent outward flange and haptic element laterally to move expansion and do very big swing in eyes.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye, said apparatus comprising: a tube having a passage therein for introducing a flexible membrane into an eye; a compressor for laterally compressing the flexible membrane ; and guides to maintain opposing side edges of the flexible membrane in a planar orientation during compression.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plunger for advancing said flexible membrane through said channel and into the eye.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said channel includes a pair of side walls; one side wall being bounded by said compressor.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said guides includes a recess into which one side edge of the flexible membrane is inserted.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said grooves are provided with ramps on both sides.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of said recesses includes a pair of opposed parallel walls; one of said opposed walls of each recess protrudes into said passageway a greater distance than The other wall portion is large.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said opposing wall portions are located on first and second sides of a transverse axis of said channel; a longer wall portion of a groove is located on a second side of the transverse axis On one side, the longer wall portion of the other groove is located on the second side of the transverse axis.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said guides extends longitudinally across the passageway, thereby preventing uncontrolled movement of the flexible membrane as it advances through said passageway. rotation.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of said guides includes a recess into which one side edge of the flexible membrane is inserted.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guides have a cutout at the top end thereof so that the flexible membrane may expand prior to exiting said channel.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tubular member includes a channel for guiding lateral movement of said compressor.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tube includes an opening for insertion of a flexible membrane into said channel; said compressor includes an opening for closing said flexible membrane when the flexible membrane is compressed. Opening flange.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge filled with lubricating fluid and an aperture for injecting lubricating fluid from the cartridge into said passageway.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second compressor diametrically opposite said first compressor.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each of said compressors includes a guide.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that said two guides comprise grooves into which the side edges of said flexible membrane can be inserted.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein each of said recesses has ramped portions on both sides.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible membrane is a lens having an optic, a front annular haptic and a rear annular haptic; said apparatus further comprising a , thereby straightening a portion of the front haptic to the haptic guide in the direction of lens advancement.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said haptic guide includes a rod having a free end and a step on said free end that hooks in said channel to pull the front haptic.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said haptic guide further includes a pull tab which can be grasped by hand to pull said haptic guide out of said channel.

21. An apparatus for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye, said apparatus comprising: a tube defining a passage for insertion of a flexible membrane, edges on opposite sides of said flexible membrane aligned with said passage On a transverse axis, the channel defines a path through which the flexible membrane can be introduced into an eye; a compressor; and a guide in said channel that retains said edge of the flexible membrane along said transverse axis when compressed.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a plunger for advancing said flexible membrane through said channel and into the eye.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein each of said guides extends longitudinally over said passageway, thereby preventing said flexible membrane from malfunctioning when said flexible membrane is propelled by said push rod. Controlled rotation.

24. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein each of said guides includes a recess into which one side edge of the flexible membrane is inserted.

25. Apparatus according to claim 21, including a second compressor movably mounted on said tubular member to compress said flexible membrane transversely in said channel; relative to each other in direction.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein each compressor includes a guide.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein each of said guides includes a recess into which one side edge of the flexible membrane is inserted.

28. An instrument for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye, said instrument comprising a pair of side walls relatively movable between an open position and a closed position, said side walls being in the open position for a flexible membrane is placed in the device, the side walls compress the flexible membrane between the side walls when in the closed position and define a passage for the flexible membrane to lead to an eye, each of the There is a guide seat on each side wall to abut against the two side edges of the flexible diaphragm and keep the two side edges on the same plane.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein each of said guides includes a recess into which one side edge of the lens is inserted.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein each of said recesses has ramped portions on both sides.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein each of said recesses includes a pair of opposed parallel walls; one of said opposed walls of each recess protrudes into said channel a greater distance than The other wall portion is large.

32. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein at least one of said side walls is bounded by a compressor movable laterally between an open position and a closed position.

33. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein each of said side walls is bounded by a compressor movable laterally between an open position and a closed position; said two compressors being diametrically opposed to each other .

34. An instrument for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye, said instrument comprising: a tube having a passage therein for introducing a flexible membrane into an eye; an aperture through a wall of said tube; and A box filled with lubricating fluid, the lubricating fluid in the box can be injected into the passage through the hole.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a plunger for advancing said flexible membrane through said channel and into the eye.

36. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein a portion of said cartridge is aligned with said aperture; said portion ruptures when pressure is applied to said cartridge.

37. An instrument for inserting a lens into an eye, the lens comprising an optic, an anterior annular haptic, and a posterior annular haptic; said instrument comprising: a tube having a channel through which the lens is introduced into the eye and a haptic guide movable in said channel to straighten the front haptic portion in the direction of lens advancement.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said haptic guide includes a rod having a free end and a step on said free end that hooks in said channel to pull the front haptic.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said haptic guide further includes a pull tab which can be grasped by hand to pull said haptic guide out of said channel.

40. An instrument for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye, said instrument comprising: a tube having a passage therein for introducing a flexible membrane into an eye; compressed for insertion through a small incision in the eye a compressor for the flexible membrane; a push rod for pushing the flexible membrane in said channel and means for expanding the flexible membrane to an uncompressed state before the flexible membrane is expelled from said channel.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said means for expanding the flexible membrane comprises a plurality of cutouts in the top end of the tube.

42. A method of implanting a flexible membrane into an eye through an incision, the method comprising:

placing a flexible diaphragm into an insert;

laterally compressing the flexible membrane so that both side edges of the flexible membrane approach each other along a plane; and

The lens is moved from the insert into an eye such that the flexible membrane is compressed as it passes through the incision in the eye.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the insert includes a pair of opposing side walls movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the flexible membrane is placed in place. into the insert, and the flexible diaphragm is compressible in the closed position.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the flexible membrane does not rotate relative to the inserter as it is moved into the eye.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising deploying the lens after the lens passes through the incision; a portion of the flexible membrane remains retained in the insert as it is deployed, thereby preventing the The flexible membrane is expelled from the insert uncontrolled.